Interactive effects of microplastics and fluoranthene on mussels Mytilus sp.

Pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris constitutes an increasing issue worldwide. Particularly, microplastics (MP) can be ingested and caused adverse effects to a large range of organisms from plankton to invertebrates and vertebrates due to their small size and wide distribution in the marine environments. In addition, the potential adsorption of chemicals on MP may enhance the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants in marine organisms. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of MP on the bioaccumulation and toxic effects of fluoranthene (FLU) in mussels Mytilus sp. FLU was selected among other pollutants as it belongs to the lists of priority substances in the field of water policy of the European Commission (EC) and constitutes one of the most concentrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) detected in the aquatic environment. To carry out the study, mussels were exposed to FLU and MP singularly or in combination for a period of 7 days before being depurated in clean water for a week. Bioaccumulation of FLU and detection of MP were measured in mussel tissues after exposure and depuration. Biometry, cellular immune responses and expression of genes involved in detoxification mechanisms were also investigated.